An inflatable spa is a perfect place to chill out in regardless of the climate or season. Nothing beats soaking and melting your stress and fatigue away in a blow-up spa with a glass of wine at hand. Whilst only those with built-in hot tubs in their homes could enjoy this luxury in the old days, blow-up spa brands like the Bestway Lay-Z Spa now make relaxing in a hot tub affordable for every household in Australia.

Why Blow-Up Spa?

Today, many recognise the value of the inflatable spa in Australian households. Whilst it might not increase your property value, blow-up spas are still considered a welcome addition to any home. This is especially true for homeowners who cannot afford the construction and maintenance of a traditional hot tub.

A four-person inflatable spa in Australia costs as low as $500. In comparison, a small outdoor hot tub (where two persons can sit uncomfortably), can set you back around $20,000 in construction alone. That’s more than 90% more expensive than the priciest inflatable spa in the market.

Aside from the price, the obvious advantage of purchasing an inflatable spa is that it is portable. This means you can take and use it almost anywhere you go. If you want to soak in a tub under the stars or whilst you are camping, a blow-up spa is your best companion. If you want to spend a relaxing afternoon in a tub but find the outdoor weather too chilly, you can try blowing up your spa indoors.

Best of all, it’s easy to deflate your portable spa and store it out of sight when it is not in use. In short, you can experience the health benefits of a spa without emptying your bank.

Buying Guide for a Portable Spa

If you are still unsure on whether you should invest your hard-earned money on portable spas, here are the things you need to know to help you make a final decision.

1. The right size

Apparently, buyers are more concerned about buying the right spa size more than its price. You would want to purchase a portable spa that would allow you and your loved ones to enjoy the gentle jets of water comfortably. Whilst most brands declare the maximum number of persons that can simultaneously soak in their tubs (e.g. two-person, four-person, and six-person spas), you need to take it with a grain of salt.

If you want an accurate idea of the size of a blow-up spa, you need to take into consideration its actual dimensions. Most portable spas have thick padded walls for strength and structural stability. Take, for example, the Lay-Z Spa Hawaii, which has I-Beam constructed walls and a 3-ply reinforced polyester mesh core encased in two layers of laminated PVC and rayon coating. This structure offers superior stability, durability, and strength compared to other brands. It also means that the product won’t be easily punctured nor would it lose its original shape no matter how many times you inflate or deflate it.

Note, though, that this also means that its walls take some of the inflatable spa’s 180cm x 180 cm x 71 cm dimension. Whilst it can still accommodate six persons simultaneously, it will be more comfortable if used simultaneously by only four adults (or four adults and two small children). As such, it may be better to size up.

2. Water heating system efficiency

Buyers must also consider the length of time required to heat the water inside the portable tub. On average, an inflatable spa heats water at a measly 2 degrees Celsius per hour. This means that for a 1,000-liter tub, you need to wait a whole day for the temperature to reach the recommended temperature of 40 degrees Celsius.

Some brands, like the Lay-Z Spa, have a rapid heating system, so the waiting time is considerably shorter. It would take around three to four hours before you can fully enjoy a comfortably hot portable tub. For a more efficient way of heating the water, you might want to take advantage of a few spa accessories like a pool cover and a ground mat, which prevent substantial heat loss during the heating process.

3. Water/Bubble jet intensity

Because a blow-up spa depends on your home’s electricity for power, it’s only natural to assume that its bubble jets won’t be as powerful as your traditional Jacuzzi. Most brands make up for the lack of power by increasing their number of jets. An ordinary portable spa has around 100 jets to provide that pleasant massaging spa effect to the user.

Superior brand and models like the Bestway Lay-Z Spa Hawaii feature a sophisticated combination of 120 bubble jets and 8 hydrojets to produce more vigorous water stream to soothe your aching muscles.

4. Tub durability

Most inflatable spa manufacturers use quality high-strength materials to ensure product durability. Whilst it is unreasonable to expect a portable spa to last as long as a built-in tub, most portable spas today are tough and durable enough to last for more than five years of continuous use.

Even punctured holes can be repaired if you have the right kit to do the job. It is recommended that you avoid any sharp objects that can either puncture or produce a pinhole on the portable spa.

5. Control panel

Inflatable spas come with a digital control panel that has a few buttons and a basic LED display, allowing you to adjust settings such as the heater timer, the jets, and the temperature. Ensure that the control panel of the inflatable spa you purchase can be accessed from within the inflatable spa, as it would be a hassle for you to have to get up and go over to the pump whenever you want to turn the heat on.

Looking for a perfect inflatable spa for your home?

You can’t go wrong with Bestway Lay-Z Spa. This brand is synonymous to modern luxury spa. The brand is designed to give you the ultimate relaxation experience wherever you are. The luxurious look and no-fuss heating make it a valuable addition to Aussie homes. Buy your Bestway Lay-Z Spa at OutbaxCamping today and enjoy a 12-month warranty with a special 60-day return for defective products.